REVIEW: Karpaha Sands Resort in Kalkudah, Sri Lanka

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0042.JPG

Paradise found at the stunning Karpaha Sands Resort, in Kalkudah Sri Lanka.

As a fiery sun rises over the crystal-clear waters of Kalkudah beach and fisherman start hauling their nets to shore, a herd of baby goats strut down the sand as if it were a runway and a crowd of birds welcome daybreak by fleeing their nests in the palms, it becomes clear this is a very different Sri Lanka.

This is the remote, rugged and real Sri Lanka, devoid of tourist coaches or beach hecklers, free of supermarkets, booze shops and beach bars, this is where true escapism can be found .…and find it we did.

As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry recovers in a post-pandemic era, some of its newest resorts are able to finally show the world what’s on offer.

One of the most luxe of these resorts, Karpaha Sands, is located on the remote East Coast of Sri Lanka and has recently reopened its doors to tourists. Travel Weekly was lucky enough to visit this beautiful property.

The suites

Karpaha Sands is a luxury boutique resort comprising 17 tented suites with either direct beach or garden frontages, a restaurant, freshwater pool, beach bar/lounge and wellness spa.

The suites are incredibly spacious and beautifully appointed in natural tones and stone hues, reflective of the surrounding environment. With outdoor stone showers and private garden settings, each suite feels sophisticated, secluded and miles away from the rest of the world.

Set on 15 kilometres of pristine beach, the property offers both poolside relaxation and picture-perfect ocean swims.

Interestingly, the property is full of modern art pieces curated by the owners who are of European and Asian heritage and clearly have an excellent eye for design.

Some of the art is local and part of Karpaha Sands’ vision is to support, showcase and nurture Sri Lankan artists. From larger-than-life stainless-steel sculptures to travel photography and mixed media works that blend flawlessly with the architecture, there is a piece to ponder at every turn.

Signature experiences & spa

It is also the resort’s signature experiences that make Karpaha Sands truly special. From curated lagoon side dinners to private ‘under the stars/feet in the sand’ cinema experiences and beach BBQs, the staff here seek to make every stay personalised, unique, and memorable.

The wellness spa is an experience like no other. Set deep in the gardens of the resort, the outdoor massage tables are surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the lapping of the ocean.

The art of ancient ayurvedic massage is practised here and the therapists are experts in their craft. And excitingly, in the coming months, they will be launching a much broader wellness offering inclusive of retreats, so watch this space!

Food & beverage offering 

The bar and restaurant area offers sweeping views of the ocean and a modern menu centred around fresh seafood and daily specials.

With a focus on health and wellbeing, there is something for all tastebuds on offer inclusive of a dedicated ‘mini’ menu for the tots.

In recent months, the property has seen a high demand for destination weddings and with its unique approach to offering tailor-made experiences for all guests, no stone is left unturned when it comes to creating an opulent yet intimate wedding.

Good to know

The resort also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to sustainability and living lightly. Karpaha Sands is completely plastic-free, employs and trains local staff from regional towns and villages and integrates seamlessly with the nearby fishing communities.

Karpaha Sands can be reached by train, car, coach or tuk tuk or guests can fly to Batticaloa international airport and transfer from there. The best time to visit is between April and October however we were there in March and the weather was perfect.

Join us next week for an in-depth review of Karpaha Sands’ exciting all day and fine dining restaurant.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport

Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]

  • Tourism

Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]

  • Events
  • News

Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser

Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]

  • News
  • Travel Agents

‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base

Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour,  a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]

  • Cruise
  • Cruise Lines

Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary

Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]